Abstract
Objectives: Hepatitis B vaccination in children born to hepatitis B surface antigen positive mothers considerably decreased risk of the vertical transmission. Methods: Combine passive-active immunisation was used in 665 newborns of HBsAg positive mothers in the period 1988-2006 years.
Results: Protective anti-HBs level after immunisation was proved in 574 of 620 children (93 %). Persistence of protective anti-HBs antibodies was detected in 70 %, 40 % and 25 % children in 5, 10 and 15 years of life.
Vertical transmission with chronic HBsAg carrier status was detected in 2 infants. Anti-HBc seroconversion was proven in 10 children from 3 to 15 years of age.
Natural boosting with an anti-HBs increase was detected in 38 children. Conclusions: Combined active-passive immunisation of newborns against hepatitis B provides persistent protection up to adolescence despite frequent waning anti-HBs antibodies.